Echo

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Queen Vashti was a stubborn woman who created friction in her household. When the King had enough from Queen Vashti, he chose a new Queen, a young Jewish woman. Esther could not help but wonder what value she would bring to the position. Shortly after becoming queen, she confronts a plot that would destroy the Jewish people. Our new Queen Esther acted courageously and saved an entire nation. This glorified God because Queen Esther echoed His light.

The new queen’s uncle encourages her with one of the most famous lines in the Bible, “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Next, we see Esther refuse to remain silent. She rose to the occasion and let her light shine before others. 

We glorify God when we echo His light within us. In a recent conversation with a grieving friend, I listened to her sadness and sat in her grief alongside her for a short time. At this moment, I could reflect the light of God by simply hearing her and being a friend. We don’t need to wait for big moments to echo God’s light. There are opportunities all around us in everything we do. How we respond to a hurtful remark, the way we wave to the mom putting her kids on the bus, or in the hug we give our children as they leave.

The Light of the world has created us. His light is within us and never dims. If you walk into a dark place, whether a conversation, a spousal dispute, or a grieving friend, remember you can echo the light of Christ. When we live out our calling in our everyday lives, God will get all the glory He is due. Let’s be people who shine in the darkness. It is for such a time as this God created us.

Heavenly Father, I want to be an echo of your light. I aim for others to see you within me. Please help me be more intentional in those everyday moments to reflect your light. I desire to bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Relevant Bible Verses

2 Corinthians 4:6 – For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Esther 4:14 – For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?

Reflect and Respond

Can you think of a recent time where God used you to bring light into someone else’s dark day? How did that make you feel?

Can you come up with one place where you feel God calling you to speak His love but you have remained silent? Are you ready to move forward with that? If not, what would it take for you to act in this place?

Write or say a prayer asking for God to show you the purpose He made you for. Thank Him for His grace in the places He has used you already.

Related Resources

In my devotion, The Pumpkin Spice Gospel, I share how we show the world the majestic love of Jesus Christ. The One who made the Great Barrier Reef. The One who created the Redwood Forest. The One who paved the Milky Way and created an all-natural light show called the Northern Lights! Check it out HERE.

For a more in-depth look at the meaning of the phrase, “For such a time as this,” see this devotion from iBelieve.com.